FAST FACTS:
Reginald Davis was 18 years old when police say he raped and beat his infant daughter in the mother's Forrest City, Arkansas home. The newborn was rushed to the hospital September 1, 2008 after Davis visited the child and her mother. Doctors said the newborn had vaginal bleeding and a fractured skull. Police arrested Davis after the child's 15 year-old mother said she took a shower and left Davis alone with his newborn.
In a forensic report submitted to the court, doctors say he understands right from wrong. Under questioning, Davis told investigators different stories, but "finally admitted that he caused the injuries to his child". He claimed he "accidentally penetrated the baby" and "accidentally dropped" her. At the time, Davis' mother said her son was set up and that it's not in his nature to hurt a child.
"Whatever happened over there, I hope they just come out with the truth and tell it because all I know when I talked to him he said something about a baby and he didn't do that," said Jacqueline Smith.
According to the forensic report, Davis grew up in a violent home. Doctors say with an IQ of 59, the Special Ed student has "mild mental retardation". Juvenile courts determined him delinquent and put him on probation for robbery. Experts say with his history, Davis may not have been prepared to care for a child.
"Have they been taught? Have they experienced what it is like to be cared for and have they been taught how to care for another person," asks Nancy Williams of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
Davis has told investigators another man sexually assaulted his daughter. He is still behind bars and could go to trial next month. Despite Davis' mental handicap, doctors think he knew sexual contact with a child was against the law.
- Reginald Davis, 19, charged with rape and second degree battery
- Police say mentally challenged teen raped his 8 day-old daughter September 2008
- Psychologists deem Davis mentally conpetant for trial
Reginald Davis was 18 years old when police say he raped and beat his infant daughter in the mother's Forrest City, Arkansas home. The newborn was rushed to the hospital September 1, 2008 after Davis visited the child and her mother. Doctors said the newborn had vaginal bleeding and a fractured skull. Police arrested Davis after the child's 15 year-old mother said she took a shower and left Davis alone with his newborn.
In a forensic report submitted to the court, doctors say he understands right from wrong. Under questioning, Davis told investigators different stories, but "finally admitted that he caused the injuries to his child". He claimed he "accidentally penetrated the baby" and "accidentally dropped" her. At the time, Davis' mother said her son was set up and that it's not in his nature to hurt a child.
"Whatever happened over there, I hope they just come out with the truth and tell it because all I know when I talked to him he said something about a baby and he didn't do that," said Jacqueline Smith.
According to the forensic report, Davis grew up in a violent home. Doctors say with an IQ of 59, the Special Ed student has "mild mental retardation". Juvenile courts determined him delinquent and put him on probation for robbery. Experts say with his history, Davis may not have been prepared to care for a child.
"Have they been taught? Have they experienced what it is like to be cared for and have they been taught how to care for another person," asks Nancy Williams of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
Davis has told investigators another man sexually assaulted his daughter. He is still behind bars and could go to trial next month. Despite Davis' mental handicap, doctors think he knew sexual contact with a child was against the law.
